Interior Minister Diego Santilli at Expoagro stated Argentina's President is removing bureaucratic hurdles for competitiveness. He cited 20 tax eliminations, reduced export taxes, and new trade deals with the US and EU.

Argentina's Treasury received $12.90 trillion in peso and dollar-linked instrument bids, awarding $10.42 trillion. Key issuances include fixed-rate notes maturing May 15 and Sept. 30, 2026, and CER-adjusted notes.

Armada Argentina completes Polar Waters Diving Course at Carlini Antarctic Base. Four divers trained for 2025-26 Antarctic Summer Campaign, including dives to 30m. They will support scientific research and overwinter.

Argentina's Navy deploys P-3C Orion aircraft and corvette ARA Espora, ocean patrol vessel ARA Contraalmirante Cordero for "Mare Nostrum IX". Operation monitors foreign fishing vessels near the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Alta Gracia and Jesús María launch new exhibits: "Transfiguraciones" (March 14) at the Alta Gracia Jesuit Estancia, featuring artists Bonvin and Bisio, and "Oenike: un viajero alemán..." (March 19) at the Jesús María museum. Both explore regional heritage.

NSW government delivers 55 new social homes in Goulburn. $6.6 billion invested statewide. 29 homes on Francis/Sanita Streets underway, 12 more by May 2026. “Ensuring communities have the homes they need,” says Minister Moriarty.

NSW offers $800,000 in Social Cohesion grants. Local councils can apply by April 17 to develop anti-racism strategies. Ministers Steve Kamper and Ron Hoenig emphasize combating hate and building inclusive communities.

Western Sydney gets 5 new bus routes starting July. $302.7 million investment for 43 electric buses running every 30 mins. Services connect communities to the new airport.

NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 phases out items like heavyweight plastic bags, confectionary sticks, and soy sauce fish. Microplastics found in all sampled waterways. Minister Penny Sharpe states the plan aids consumers and businesses.

Tenambit public preschool construction is underway, set to open by 2027. The facility will serve up to 80 local children weekly. This is part of the Minns Government's $769 million plan to double public preschools statewide, creating 9,000 fee-free places.

Brazil's government commits R$ 2 billion to Paraná transport infrastructure. Projects include Porto de Paranaguá access (R$ 1.23 billion), Maringá Airport modernization (R$ 129.1 million), Estrada Boiadeira paving, and Contorno Sul Metropolitano.

Brazil's Lula signs measures to shield citizens from high oil prices. Diesel PIS/Cofins zeroed, R$0.32/liter subsidy, oil export tax enacted. Goal: reduce diesel costs by R$0.64/liter.

Brazil zeros PIS/Cofins on diesel, cutting R$0.32/liter. A R$0.32/liter subsidy adds further relief, totaling R$0.64/liter savings. Measures aim to protect consumers from international oil price hikes.

President Lula signs Law 15.355/2026, creating the Amar Policy for rescuing and managing animals in disasters. It prioritizes human life but ensures animal protection, integrating with civil defense and environmental policies.

Competition Bureau and Chartwell reach agreement. Chartwell will sell Clair Hills retirement home in Waterloo, Ontario, to preserve competition after acquiring six homes from Sifton Properties.

Secretary of State Ruby Sahota will discuss new tools for law enforcement to combat crime. Joined by Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah, the event is at Peel Regional Police Headquarters on March 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. EDT.

Minister McGuinty to announce new investments in Canada's sovereign space program on March 16 at the Canadian Space Agency's David Florida Laboratory. Media must confirm attendance by March 13 and provide proof of Canadian citizenship.

Minister Anandasangaree unveils new tools for law enforcement to combat threats and ensure Canadian safety. Focus on enhanced investigative capabilities.

Canada and Mexico reach agreement allowing fresh potato exports for consumption/processing. This expands market access for Canada's $2.1 billion potato sector. Agreement follows Minister MacDonald's trade mission.

China's lawmakers approved the 2026 plan for national economic and social development. The plan outlines key goals and strategies for the country's growth over the next five years.

China's National People's Congress has adopted the Ecological and Environmental Code. The code consolidates existing environmental laws, aiming to strengthen ecological protection and sustainable development. It is a significant step in the country's environmental governance.

China's National People's Congress approved the National Development Planning Law. The law aims to standardize national economic and social development planning.

China's National People's Congress approved the 2026 central budget. Details on spending priorities and revenue targets were not immediately released.

Chinese lawmakers approved a resolution on the National People's Congress Standing Committee's work report. The decision was made during the closing meeting of the annual session.

EU Parliament condemns Russia's coercive recruitment for Ukraine war, calling it a potential crime against humanity. It demands Niger's President Bazoum's release, decries junta repression, and urges EU sanctions on Georgia's regime for persecuting opponents.

EU Parliament approves new package travel rules. Travelers gain stronger protection, including 14-day refund rights for vouchers and penalty-free cancellations for unavoidable disruptions. New rules clarify package definitions.

MEPs vote today on updated Package Travel Directive to clarify holidaymaker rights. Debate on European Ombudsman's annual report, rail safety, obesity, and laughing gas restrictions. Votes include resolutions on human trafficking, Niger detention, and emission credits.

ESMA aims to simplify retail investing. Actions include streamlining disclosures, reducing complexity in suitability assessments, and simplifying sustainability preferences under MiFID II. Chair Verena Ross stated the goal is to make EU capital markets more accessible.

President Macron visited the Penly nuclear plant construction site, chairing the fifth Nuclear Policy Council. France is reviving nuclear power, with Penly selected for new EPR2 reactors. Discussions covered reactor progress, fuel cycle, and SMRs.

France's 5th Nuclear Policy Council met March 12, 2026. Confirmed EPR2 reactor program ($72.8B cost target), aiming for first startup by 2038. Also advanced Orano's fuel cycle renewal at La Hague.

26 nations and private sector firms like BNP Paribas backed a nuclear financing declaration at the March 10, 2026 Paris summit. They cited growing demand for reliable, low-carbon energy.

PM Modi spoke with Iran's President Pezeshkian. Modi stressed dialogue, diplomacy, and the safety of Indian nationals. He also highlighted the need for unhindered energy and goods transit.

Oil India Limited partners with NSTFDC to boost tribal healthcare in Madhya Pradesh. ₹86.27 lakh allocated for equipment at Rajgarh district health centers. Initiative aims to improve access to quality care for underserved communities.

PM Modi at NXT Summit: "Viksit Bharat" is India's goal. World sees India as hope amid crises. “If you want to be part of the future, you must be in India,” he stated. India is moving to the Next Level.

PM Modi at NXT Summit: March 12 marks 100 years since Gandhi's Dandi Yatra, inspiring India's "Viksit Bharat" journey. World leaders like Finland's President Stubb, Canada's PM Carney, and France's Macron see India as key to the future.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy visited BHEL Haridwar, flagging off energy, defence, and manufacturing milestones. He dedicated a 5 MW solar plant and inaugurated a 30-ton Electric Arc Furnace, boosting India's self-reliance.

Taoiseach Martin hosts UK PM Starmer in Cork for the UK-Ireland Summit. They'll review progress on cooperation to 2030 and set new goals for trade, energy, and security. Engagements include business and youth discussions.

Ireland extends tax relief for health expenses to include pharmacist consultations and medications under the Common Conditions Service. Announced by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on March 12, 2026.

Ireland's Dept. of Agriculture releases Herd Health Certificate (Form HHC.3) for bovine embryo donors. It verifies herds are free from TB, Brucellosis, Enzootic Bovine Leucosis and have met Bluetongue restrictions for 30 days prior to collection.

Ireland hits 8GW renewable electricity. Minister Darragh O'Brien hailed the milestone, noting February saw nearly 50% from renewables. This boosts energy security and price stability.

Minister James Browne urges Local Authorities to apply for the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. Towns with over 9,000 population are eligible. Applications are due May 1. Funding supports short-term projects up to €9m and early-stage projects up to €150,000.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters met Cambodian Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn, the first high-level visit since 2019. Peters pledged NZ$7.5 million for Cambodia's mine clearance. Discussions covered regional security and the rules-based international system.

NZ launches Year 2 maths check to boost early learning. Education Minister Erica Stanford says the 15-minute assessment will identify needs, with trials in 100 schools. Aiming for nationwide rollout by year-end.

New Zealand's Employment Leave Bill passes first reading. Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden says the bill replaces the Holidays Act 2003, aiming for simpler, clearer leave calculations for businesses and workers. It includes hours-based accrual and pro-rata sick leave.

New Zealand passes Legislation Amendment Bill, digitizing government services. Attorney-General Judith Collins states the bill makes secondary legislation easier to find and use. A new, single-access website is now live.

Crown advances Ngāti Ruapani settlement. Bill's first reading passed today, weeks after Feb 25 deed signing. Includes $24M financial redress, 12,000 hectares of land, and properties. Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith called it a "significant and long-awaited milestone."

President Tinubu congratulates Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on his March 12 birthday. He praises Mutfwang's leadership in security, infrastructure, education, and economy, especially agro-logistics hubs. Tinubu also commends his proactive stance on establishing state police.

Nigeria's Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila praised UNDP for its development support. He seeks closer collaboration on reforms, including the Made-in-Nigeria policy, poverty reduction, and increased female political participation. UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah affirmed support for Nigeria's aspirations.

President Tinubu mourns Sir Albert Ikechukwu Nnamani, 82, former OMPADEC Administrative Secretary. Tinubu lauded Nnamani's service to Nigeria, including his 1963 Armed Forces enrollment and Niger Delta peace efforts. He offered condolences to the family and Enugu State.

President Tinubu vows democracy and rule of law will thrive in Nigeria. He met with APC and IPAC leaders, emphasizing free and fair elections and internal party democracy. He stated, "The rule of law must prevail in any democracy."

President Tinubu nominates Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as CBN Deputy Governor. Yuguda, former SEC DG, previously worked at CBN and IMF. Appointment awaits Senate confirmation.

Qatar PM spoke with Canada FM Anita Anand. They discussed regional escalation, condemning Iranian attacks on Qatar. Both called for de-escalation, reason, and a return to negotiations.

Qatar PM spoke with Spain's FM. They discussed regional escalation, condemning Iranian attacks on Qatari territory. Both called for de-escalation, peaceful dispute resolution, and a return to negotiations.

Qatar joined the GCC-UK ministerial meeting via videoconference on March 12, 2026. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi represented the State.

President met with Orenburg Governor Yevgeny Solntsev. Region reported 4.177 million tonnes grain harvest, 40% of Russia's cast iron exports. 246 billion rubles invested. Support measures for military personnel detailed.

Singapore is among 16 economies targeted by US Section 301 investigations, announced USTR on March 11, 2026. The probe focuses on structural excess capacity and manufacturing production.

Media accreditation for the Special Official Funeral of Mosiuoa Lekota can be collected at Floreat Hall, Mangaung on March 13 (10:30-19:00) and March 14 (08:00-10:00). The funeral is March 14 at Old Grey Sports Club, Bloemfontein.

Empa researchers are advancing MXenes, a new class of 2D materials. These "nano-lasagnas" show promise for energy storage and medicine. Progress made in modeling and synthesis.

Swiss Science Council rejects planned abolition by the Federal Council. The council submitted a statement during the consultation process, arguing that independent advice must not be weakened.

UAE Undersecretary Alshamsi joined GCC consular leaders in an extraordinary virtual meeting. The discussion focused on enhanced coordination amid regional developments. The UAE stressed its commitment to citizen support.

UAE condemns terrorist attack in Mali's Kayes region that killed truck drivers. Ministry reiterates rejection of violence, extremism. Offers condolences to Mali.

Abdullah bin Zayed received a call from Jordan's Ayman Al Safadi. Al Safadi offered condolences for the martyrdom of Captain Pilot Saeed Rashid Hamad Al Balushi and First Lieutenant Ali Saleh Ismail Al Tunaiji, who died in a helicopter crash. Jordan expressed solidarity with the UAE.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed received a call from Jordan's Ayman Al Safadi. Al Safadi offered condolences for the martyrdom of Captain Pilot Saeed Rashid Hamad Al Balushi and First Lieutenant Ali Saleh Ismail Al Tunaiji in a helicopter crash. Jordan expressed solidarity.

UK imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese tin mill imports. Effective March 13, 2026, duties range from 27.85% to 49.98%. Business Secretary Peter Kyle stated, "We're taking decisive action to stand up for the UK steel industry."

Bank of England's weekly report shows sterling liabilities at £646.5 billion as of March 11, 2026. Reserves balances stood at £645 billion. Notes in circulation were £96.2 billion. Sterling assets include £99.4 billion in short-term repos.

MHRA: £1.4bn opportunity via medicine reclassification. 74% of adults want more OTC access. This empowers self-care, reduces GP visits, and boosts pharmacist roles.

VOA functions integrate into HMRC on April 1, 2026. Core services like business rates and Council Tax valuations continue unchanged. Customers need no action; communications will shift to HMRC branding. Scammers may target this transition.

Andrew Bailey addresses the FSB Payments Summit, acknowledging progress on G20 cross-border payment goals. He highlights persistent issues: payments remain slow and expensive. Bailey stresses the need to tackle tough challenges for global financial stability and growth.

UN Security Council debated Iran's nuclear program. Russia and China challenged "snapback" sanctions legality. US, UK, France say sanctions reinstated Sept 27, 2025, after August 2025 trigger. Council voted 11-2 to proceed.

UN investigators: Venezuela's repressive state apparatus remains intact post-Maduro arrest. 87 new political detentions reported since Jan 3. Amnesty law released 621 political prisoners, but concerns over transparency and remaining detainees persist.

Independent probe calls Russia's deportation of 1,205 Ukrainian children a crime against humanity. Chair Erik Møse cited forcible transfer and enforced disappearance. 80% remain missing. The ICC previously issued an arrest warrant for Putin.

UN chief António Guterres urges ceasefire in Middle East, citing US/Israel strikes and Iran attacks. He warns the region is "pushed to the breaking point," with cascading global consequences. Guterres accepted the Atatürk International Award for Peace in Türkiye.

Oil prices hit $100/barrel amid escalating Middle East conflict. Attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman disrupt supply. UN agencies boost humanitarian aid as displacement rises.

U.S. sanctions two entities and six individuals for defrauding American businesses. These schemes fund North Korea's WMD and missile programs using IT workers with fake identities. Action taken under Executive Orders 13810 and 13382.

U.S. sanctions four charities funding Hamas militants. Actions target the group's Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, disrupting terror funding. The move, under E.O. 13224, aims to prevent illicit fundraising for terrorist networks.

U.S. Treasury issued a Russia-related General License. Details on restrictions and authorizations are available.

Treasury sanctioned North Korea for illicit activities. Also, counter-terrorism designations were updated. Counter-narcotics designations were removed.

Federal Reserve Board approves Home BancShares' acquisition of Mountain Commerce Bancorp. Centennial Bank will merge with Mountain Commerce Bank. Approval granted March 12, 2026.

Vietnam establishes Mekong River Committee, led by Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha. It will manage water resources, research solutions for upstream impacts, and ensure equitable use of the Mekong River.

Vietnam aims for 95% of population over 15 to have bank accounts by 2025. Banks will share data with tax authorities next month. Non-cash payments to hit 30x GDP. 87% adults currently have accounts.

Nguyen Thi Quyen Thanh, formerly Vinh Long Vice Chairwoman, appointed Deputy Minister of Education and Training. Holds PhD in educational management. Serves as National Assembly deputy for 2021-2026.

WHO rapidly delivered critical botulism antitoxin to Da Nang, Vietnam. Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Representative, stated, "This rapid deployment shows the importance of strong partnerships and preparedness." The antitoxin prevents further harm from the toxin.